Ingrown hair in the groin is one of the side effects of shaving, but there are some precautions to treat and alleviate the problem.
O ingrown hair on the groin is one of the most common discomforts among women, especially after shaving. So, in addition to discomfort in the region, such as pain, redness and itching, it also has an effect on the appearance of the skin. Since ingrown hair can cause spots and even lumps, which in some cases can be confused with more serious problems, such as herpes and warts.
However, the ingrown hair itself It’s not a serious problem. In fact, it is an infection, caused when hair cannot break through the upper layer of the epidermis and thus continues to grow on the inside of the skin. Therefore, it can cause bumps on the skin, similar to pimples with or without pus, which are very itchy and can cause pain.
The so-called folliculitis is a relatively simple problem to solve and even prevent. With some care and changes in habit, it is possible to treat and prevent the problem from recurring. However, depending on the severity, a dermatologist can recommend the best treatment.
Treatment and prevention of ingrown hair in the groin
Ingrown hair in the groin tends to disappear over time, without the need for specific treatment. However, there are some precautions you can take to alleviate the problem and even prevent it from happening again. As this is a problem related to hair removal, it is more common in thick and curly hair and the main care is to remove it.
1 – Blade hygiene
If you are in the habit of shaving with a razor, Ideally, it should be very sharp. In fact, we have an article teaching you how to sharpen your blades.
Furthermore, it is recommended to change the blade frequently and always clean it before use. To do this, you can use hot water and antiseptic soap to eliminate bacteria that can lead to infection.
2 – Don’t share your blade
Sharing razors can make the object more likely to cause infections. Therefore, the The recommendation is that everyone has their own blade. Because you don’t know what types of bacteria are on someone else’s blade.
3 – Hair direction
The ideal is Always shave following the direction of the hair. This way, you reduce the chances of cutting yourself and getting infections. This is especially true when shaving your bikini line, as you are less likely to get ingrown hairs.
4 – Wash the skin with warm water
In general care to avoid ingrown hair in the groin hygiene is essential. So, the recommendation is to wash your skin with warm water and a neutral soap daily. By doing this, it facilitates the dilation of the skin pores, which is conducive to the removal of ingrown hair.
5 – Cream or ointment
In the case of inflammation caused by ingrown hair, a dermatologist can recommend a treatment that includes dermocosmetics, such as ointment, lotion or gel with antibiotics. The most recommended in this case are neomycin, gentamicin and mupirocin. These active ingredients will fight bacteria, and consequently improve other symptoms, such as pain and itching.
6 – Exfoliation
Exfoliation is another care very effective in preventing and treating ingrown hair in the groin. By exfoliating the skin, making circular movements, we eliminate the most superficial layer of the skin and its impurities, thus making it easier for the hair to come out. The ideal is to exfoliate the region once a week, when the skin is not inflamed.
In fact, you can check out several recipes for homemade exfoliants in this other complete article on body scrubs.
7 – Skin hydration
In addition to exfoliation, another essential skin care is hydration. The frequent use of Moisturizing creams prevent skin from drying out, in addition to softening the hair follicle, which helps the ingrown hair to come out. The ideal is to apply the moisturizer right after showering.
8 – Laser hair removal
As we have seen so far, one of the aggravating factors of ingrown hair on the groin is shaving. So, one option is to opt for laser hair removal as a way to eliminate hair. This is because this type of procedure destroys the hair follicle, meaning the hair does not grow back and there is no risk of ingrown hairs.
Or, you can explore other at-home hair removal options.
9 – Use of medicine
Finally, in cases where the infection is more serious, the dermatologist may recommend the use of oral antibiotics. Such as erythromycin or cephalexin, which must be taken 3 to 4 times a day, for a period of 10 days. Those medicines will control the infectiontreating your symptoms and relieving discomfort.
Possible complications of ingrown hair
As previously stated, ingrown hair itself is not a serious problem and can be treated at home. However, in some cases the inflammation can progress to other more serious symptoms, and a doctor should be consulted.
The main complications that can occur due to ingrown hair in the groin include increased pain and swelling in the region, usually indicating an accumulation of pus. Furthermore, it can also cause a fever, as this is one of the common signs of infection.
And finally, the problem being recurrent, appearing constantly, despite care, is something that should be referred to a specialist doctor.
In any of these cases, make an appointment with your dermatologist so that he or she can analyze your case and prescribe the best treatment.
Finally, take the opportunity to also check out 3 ways on how to remove ingrown hair more easily.
Sources: Istoé Tua Saúde Drauzio
Bibliography
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY SÃO PAULO. Folliculitis: expert explains the inflammation of ingrown hair. Available at:
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Dermatology in Primary Health Care. 2002. Available at:
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY. Folliculitis. Available at:
